How much funding can be received?

The OAC — Dance Projects program offers funding up to $20,000 to support the creation, production, and presentation of live and virtual dance projects that benefit Ontario's professional dance community. Eligible activities include artistic creation, productions, festivals, mentorship, training, and community development initiatives.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum funding amounts are: $5,000 for Creation projects; $20,000 for Production and presentation projects; $15,000 for Series and festivals; $2,500 for Mentorship – Individuals; $7,500 for Training and community development – Ad hoc groups, collectives and organizations.
OAC will not fund 100% of a project in the Production and presentation and Series and festivals categories; a mix of revenue sources is required for these categories.
Grants awarded may be less than the amount requested due to application volume and funding availability.
If the final budget submitted shows a surplus of more than $250, the surplus may need to be repaid to OAC.

Eligible projects & activities

Creation and development of new dance works, including showings for invited audiences.
Production and presentation of live or virtual dance performances for the public, including co-productions and tour preparation.
Organization and presentation of dance series and festivals that feature professional choreographers and dance companies.
Mentorship initiatives for Indigenous artists, Deaf artists, and artists with disabilities in Indigenous dance practices.
Training and community development projects such as workshops, forums, master classes, and initiatives that promote access and equity within the professional dance community.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 21,900

Launching eco-friendly packaging for bakery retail products

$ 22,400

Refurbishing adaptive workstations for inclusive employment programs

$ 19,200

Implementing digital inventory management at a local bookstore

$ 21,000

Launching coding bootcamp for youth in underserved neighborhoods

$ 22,700

Deploying electric delivery bikes for urban grocery deliveries

$ 22,800

Upgrading HVAC system for community day-care energy efficiency

Eligibility criteria of the OAC — Dance Projects program

The applicant must be an Ontario-based ad hoc group or collective of dance artists or arts professionals with expertise in dance, or an incorporated not-for-profit dance company, dance series, festival, or other dance organization with a head office in Ontario.
The project must support the creation, production, or presentation of live or virtual dance, or other initiatives that benefit the Ontario professional dance community.
The applicant must demonstrate engagement of appropriate professional dance expertise to carry out the project.

Who is eligible?

Professional dance artists residing in Ontario
Ontario-based ad hoc groups and collectives of dance artists or arts professionals with dance expertise
Incorporated not-for-profit dance companies and dance organizations with a head office in Ontario
Ontario-based not-for-profit organizations, including non-arts organizations, working with dance expertise

Who is not eligible

For-profit organizations
Dance studios, dance schools, or other dance training organizations
Colleges, universities, and municipalities
Elementary or secondary public or private schools
Organizations that receive an operating grant from Ontario Arts Council programs (with specific exceptions)

Eligible expenses

Fees for artists, including choreographers, dancers, dramaturges, composers, musicians, theatrical designers, and technicians.
Fees for mentors, teachers, Elders, knowledge-keepers, and cultural carriers.
Production costs such as costumes, set design, and other staging requirements.
Publicity, marketing, promotion, and audience development expenses.
Administrative costs related to the project.
Venue or studio rental fees.
Virtual platform costs for online components.
Archival recording expenses.
Travel, transportation, and accommodation costs for key artists, collaborators, and teachers not residing locally.
Childcare and dependent care fees enabling participation in the project (excluding regular, ongoing expenses).
Expenses for making the project accessible to audience members and participants who are Deaf or have a disability.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the OAC — Dance Projects program

Alignment of the project with the purpose and priorities of the program.
Engagement of professional Ontario-based choreographers, particularly for relevant categories.
Inclusion of a range of revenue sources for Production and presentation, and Series and festivals categories.
Demonstration of professional dance expertise involved in the project.
Quality and effectiveness of artistic support material submitted.

How to apply to the OAC — Dance Projects program

Step 1: Review Program GuidelinesRead the Guide to OAC Project Programs for detailed eligibility requirements and restrictions.
Consult related resources such as the Nova User Guide and program-specific instructions.
Step 2: Register or Update Profile in NovaCreate or update your applicant profile in Nova, the OAC's online grant application system.
Step 3: Prepare Application MaterialsGather basic project information and answers to required application questions.
Develop a detailed project budget, ensuring you include a diverse range of revenue sources for Production and presentation, and Series and festivals categories.
Prepare three video examples of artistic work (maximum 3 minutes each, excluding student work).
Collect résumés or biographies for yourself and any confirmed project artists.
If applying to Mentorship, training, and community development categories, optionally prepare a letter of support.
Step 4: Complete Application in NovaAccess the application form in Nova (available approximately two months before the deadline).
Input all required information, upload support materials, and attach supporting documents.
Step 5: Submit ApplicationReview all information and materials for completeness and accuracy.
Submit your application through Nova before the designated deadline (March 27 or September 25).
Step 6: Confirmation of SubmissionAfter submission, retain confirmation of your application within the Nova system.
Step 7: Await ResultsWait approximately four and a half months after the deadline to be notified of assessment results.
Step 8: Final Report (If Awarded)Complete the project as proposed and submit a final report in Nova, including project outcomes, final budget, and required recognition documentation.

Additional information

Grant recipients must include OAC and Government of Ontario logos on all promotional materials for the funded project, following official recognition requirements.
If a project's final budget shows a surplus of over $250, recipients may be required to repay the surplus to the OAC.
Application deadlines are March 27 and September 25, 2025, with results communicated approximately four and a half months after each deadline.
The application process and requirements may change before the next intake; applicants are advised to review updated details when the program opens in the Nova system.